Pentax K-01 unveiled with ‘world’s thinnest’ lens

Pentax has unveiled its latest mirrorless camera, the Pentax K-01, which boasts what the company claims is the world’s thinnest interchangeable lens – the smc Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 XS unifocal.

This latest addition to the popular Pentax K series features 16.28-megapixel resolution with a newly developed CMOS image sensor measuring 23.7mm by 15.7mm, as well as high-speed burst shooting, an extra-wide sensitivity range with a top sensitivity of ISO 25600 and Full HD video recording.

Personal touches can be added to recorded clips using various Custom Functions. Alternatively, the subject can be recorded in a series of video clips using the interval movie shooting mode.

The Pentax K-01 also comes with an HDMI terminal, which allows the user to simultaneously output both Full HD movie clips and stereo sound. It also has an external microphone input terminal. In addition, the Pentax K-01 features the new “PRIME M” imaging engine to ensure first-rate movie recording performance.

The new Pentax mirrorless camera also features the Pentax K lens mount, so users can make effective use of their entire range of PENTAX lenses, including those produced for film-format SLR cameras.

Also on board is a new HDR mode, which produces one extra-wide-gradation composite photo from three images taken at different exposure levels and can be instantly selected with a turn of the mode dial.

The Pentax K-01 also features 19 digital filters, such as Miniature effect which makes a real life scene appear as an image full of miniature models. Users can apply multiple digital filters to a single image.

Other key specs of the K-01 include an aluminium body designed by Marc Newson, 5 frames per second burst mode, shutter speed range of 1/4000-30 secs, high-res 920k-dot 3 inch LCD and DNG raw file shoooting.

The Pentax K-01 will be available from the end March 2012, priced £629.99 body only, or you can get the Pentax K-01 + 40mm DA XS lens kit for £679.99, the Pentax K-01 + DAL 18-55mm lens kit also for £679.99 or the K-01 + DAL 18-55mm lens + DAL 50-200mm twin lens kit for £799.99.